LCC Student Food Pantry Receives $3,500 Grant from Parsons Area Community Foundation

Parsons, KS – Labette Community College (LCC) has received a $3,500 grant from the Parsons Area Community Foundation (PACF) through the Bonnie Oden Fund to support its Student Food Pantry. The funding is specifically designated to provide fresh food items such as milk, eggs, bread, and cheese for students in need.

PACF awards grants annually through a competitive application process held from December 15 through January 31. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, churches, and government entities. This year, nearly $300,000 in funding was awarded to 40 organizations, selected from $518,000 in total requests. Since its founding in 1998, PACF has distributed more than $4.6 million to support community projects.

“PACF is extremely thankful for the generous donors who had the foresight to establish funds in intentional and meaningful ways to guarantee resources are available for generations to come,” said Becky Dantic, Director of Parsons Area Community Foundation and LCC Board of Trustees Member. “PACF is honored and proud to partner with LCC to continue to ensure the needs of students are met—both inside and outside of the classroom.”

The LCC Student Food Pantry began 10 years ago as a student-led honors project aimed at addressing food insecurity among peers. Since then, it has grown into a vital campus resource, providing dozens of students each week with access to shelf-stable, frozen, and fresh food items.

“The generous support of donors like the Parsons Area Community Foundation allows us to sustain this vital service to our students to help meet their basic needs so they can learn and thrive at Labette Community College.” said Kelly Kirkpatrick, LCC Vice President of Student Affairs.

The addition of fresh food options marks an important step forward for the pantry.

“I am so thankful to the Parsons Area Community Foundation for their support of the LCC Student Pantry,” said Regina Decker, LCC Case Manager and Advisor. “This $3,500 award will make it possible to offer fresh items in our pantry such as milk, eggs, bread, and cheese on a regular basis. I’d also like to thank LCC’s students, faculty, and staff, who have generously donated items, money, and time to support and grow this Student Affairs project.”

The grant ensures that LCC can continue expanding its efforts to combat food insecurity and support student success both in and out of the classroom and also reflects Labette Community College’s mission to empower students through accessible education and resources that remove barriers. To learn more about the Parsons Area Community Foundation, visit https://www.parsonsareacf.org. To learn more about the Labette Community College Student Food Pantry, visit labette.edu.